Owner's Blog

A new year brings 365 days in which to do something fun and different. Some people opt to try and run a marathon while others may pledge to get more involved in their community. For many, travel ranks high in their conversation of new years plans.

While plane, train, and automobile travel is always a great and easy way to get around, have you ever considered a river cruise? Many may not add a river cruise to their plans or may not even know the option exists to travel via river once in their destination country(ies).

River boat cruises as a means of travel has become the fastest growing segment in the travel industry, surpassing planes, trains, and major cruise lines. To put it into comparison, based on an article from River Boat Ratings, in the last five years major ocean cruise lines saw an increase in number of guests between 4-5%. River cruising in Europe has grown at an annual rate of 16%, more than tripling the number of guests.

What this means is that what once was an extra way to get around is now becoming the norm for travel. You get to see parts of regions most don't by train, plane, or car, and you get to enjoy the many amenities provided by river cruises.

City tour in Porto

While it may not have crossed your mind until now, here are seven reasons why adding a river cruise to your new year's goals is a smart, fun, and adventurous way to travel, meet new people, and expand your horizons this year:

1. River Cruises Are Extremely Popular Right Now - competition brings prices down for you

With 350,000 passengers each year--and growing--river cruises are not only popular, but that popularity keeps prices low. To stay in business, different river cruise lines need to stay competitive, and with competition high, prices stay low. As the popularity continues to increase, you may see lower prices or more included amenities.

2. Mostly all-inclusive travel

Think about the last vacation you went on and had to pay for everything a la carte. Drinks were not included, entertainment you had to not only find but pay for out-of-pocket, and you may not have had a set itinerary. Luckily, river cruises offer a lot of included amenities and an itinerary in which you can follow as little or as much as possible. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of your vacation to allow you to relax more.

3. Excellent Service - pampered living

River cruises, like any cruise, offer different types of pampering while onboard the vessel. Your cruise line may have a spa in which you can unwind, a hairdresser, lounge areas to close your eyes in, and other added amenities.

Beyond just personal pampering, river cruises also offer exquisite food service and mouth-watering cuisine with local flavors and dishes. You will not need to lift a finger with most river cruises.​

Exquisite food and service

4. Intimate Setting in which to make friends

You don't have to feel intimidated by river cruise boats. Unlike their saltwater counterparts, river cruise ships are easily manageable and carry fewer people. You will be able to cross paths will the same individual multiple times--and even indulge in the same all-inclusive amenities. This is a great way to meet people, as you have similar tastes in travel and experiences.​

Making new friends on a river cruise

5. Connectivity to outside world (as much as you like)

Your all-inclusive trip also includes free wifi. Many times, you probably have been forced to pay a fee to use wifi, or the trips were so far off-land that you are subjected to roaming charges.

Luckily, most river cruises stay directly within wifi connectivity, and it's free, so you do not need to worry about being disconnected from the world while on a river cruise. All of those social media pictures are easily uploadable for your friends to follow along with your river cruise adventures.

6. Pick of venues or itineraries with multi-stops at ports along the way in the heart of a country - you will feel like you KNOW this place!

On larger vessels, you are usually only stopping at one or two ports on the outskirts of any given country, but with a river cruise, you will explore multiple destinations in the very heart of the country you are cruising.

Cruising in the heart of a country

The excursions for each stop will also be more intimate (smaller groups) and hopefully, more aligned with your interests instead of the larger vessels which have to find certain ports and excursions to simply please the masses instead of individuals.

River cruises often come with a customized approach to their offerings. As stated above, bigger cruise lines on the ocean have an "appeal to the masses" approach without much individuality. River cruises, on the other hand, have different cruises based on interest. You may find a wine cruise, accompanied by port stops at different wineries, or you may go on a cruise focused on hiking or biking, stopping at beautiful mountainsides to climb or bike up.​

The list is varied and working with a travel agent can allow you to find a river cruise best fitted for your interests. There are many options when it comes to picking the right river cruise for you. Dependent on your travel destination, you should be able to find a river cruise that fits your needs and budget.

When booking a river cruise, you want to speak with a travel agent who is knowledgeable on picking the right cruise based on budgets, needs, and can properly work to find an itinerary that works best for you. And why not? Most travel agents do not charge for their services, and can make the difference between an ordinary trip and a wonderful trip for you.

Wonderful Trips specializes in river cruises - with access to all that are being offered around the globe. If you are in need of any information regarding pricing, planning, and pressing "GO" on a river cruise this year, then contact Wonderful Trips as your next step to a wonderful and inspiring adventure. Even now you can reach Linda at 713-899-0130. Don't wait to make this river cruise goal a reality!

Planning an international trip is always a whirlwind. You need to find flights, accommodations, research what you want to do abroad, and create a travel itinerary, of sorts.

Then, the dreaded question tends to come up, either in conversation with a travel agent or a little voice creeps into your head and says, "Do you need travel insurance?"

Based on a 2013 survey commissioned by Princeton Survey Research, roughly 20% of respondents bought travel insurance that year, leaving the remainder of respondents vulnerable to illness, accidents, and theft. This trend flipped a couple of years later after the Paris Attacks and Zika Virus, where some companies found an almost 80% increase in travel insurance, based off an article from Travel Insurance. This is a great representation of the awareness of travel insurance and how happenings across the globe can change the worldview on its importance.

Many people may still shrug their shoulders, trying to convince themselves that they are healthy, the likelihood of an emergency is slim-to-none, and that travel insurance is not worth the investment.

Tell that to the individual who broke his leg in two places, only being able to return home after an almost $3,000 medical bill; thanks, for the most part, to his previously purchased travel insurance. More so, try and explain that to the woman who developed a fever in Vietnam, only to have her main advocate for her health be her travel insurance agent.

While the investment seems like money that could have gone towards something more enjoyable, the moment you become ill overseas, break your ankle or lose thousands in luggage, you may wish you had purchased travel insurance.

When buying travel insurance, there are two aspects to consider. One is protecting your trip investment--i.e. travel expenses, luggage costs, and incidentals. The other is medical assistance while traveling abroad, in case you become ill or injured. Below are the steps to purchase travel insurance and keep yourself and your belongings safe:​Steps involved in purchasing travel insurance:

1. Check with your credit card companies

You will want to see if they will cover international travel, including medical coverage, because only a few do. Also, check with your own insurance company, including Medicare, to see if it covers international travel. Medicare coverage internationally is limited, and it will probably be wise to get primary medical coverage for international travel.

2. Get multiple quotes from your travel agentAsk your travel agent to send you at least two quotes from different reputable travel insurance agencies so that you can compare costs and benefits. Without any cost comparison, you may end up paying more than you have to for travel insurance, based on your needs. This will also help you understand the logistics of different travel insurances and knowing what you will need and what may be costing you extra without reason.

3. Do not simply accept the suggested insurance policy from an airline, cruise line or tour company.

Many times it will cost you more and offer less coverage or benefits. However, do compare their policy with the other quotes you have received to get a well-rounded idea of insurance costs. Sometimes, especially when purchasing insurance as a group or for elderly travelers, the supplier’s policy can be less. One thing the supplier’s insurance doesn’t always cover is protection against bankruptcy by a tour/cruise operator or airline, something that can and does happen.

4. Work with a travel agent you trust

If you have found a good travel agent, she can point out the major differences in the travel insurance plans to help you decide. Any specific insurance questions should be addressed to the insurance company itself. Should your travel involve high-risk sports or activity, be sure to check the exclusions and limitations on your travel policy as well.

5. Learn when cut-off dates for certain travel benefits occur

Be sure to know when the cut off dates are to get the most benefits with your travel insurance--as far as coverage for pre-existing conditions and cancel for any reason clauses with the insurance company. Most insurance companies have a purchase by 14 days or 21 days from the date of deposit to be eligible for these benefits. If you are going to buy travel insurance, you may as well get all the benefits accessible to you, so know the deadlines.

6. Enjoy your trip, worry free

Once purchased, sit back and know that you have prepared well for your travel in case of unexpected or undesirable circumstances. Others may lament, regret, and lose out on their investment, but you will not. Should your trip go without incident and you have no need for an insurance claim, the peace of mind is worth something. Plus, many insurance companies have 24/7 concierge services and travel assistance you could engage if you need them.

​Why you should always opt in for travel insurance:

A travel agent can help you fix a lot of different problems while you are traveling, but she cannot do much in the case of a medical need or emergency evacuation. This is where travel insurance is vital. Foregoing any travel insurance simply puts yourself and your money at risk, something you do not need looming in the back of your mind when you should be relaxing.

A quick quote given by Travel Insured can give an idea of just how little you will need to pay for insurance. A 50 year old, going on an eight day trip at a cost of $3,000 should expect to pay $109 to $216 roughly, based on a quote, and depending on the coverage. In comparison, a hospital bill can put you out thousands of dollars.

Purchasing travel insurance is not a mistake. Having even just a basic plan is better than nothing at all. Free tip: If you will be traveling abroad at least twice in one year, take a look at some of the yearly insurance plans. You might find yearly insurance will be less money in the long run.

For those interested in booking river cruises or hosted tours, please visit Wonderful Trips to learn more - let them help you plan your next wonderful trip. They will help you find answers to your travel insurance questions as well.

For avid travelers, the idea that there are individuals out there who fear travel seems like a very odd concept, but in reality, it affects more people than one may think. The most talked about concerns may include leaving pets or family behind, the fear of the unknown in a new area, language barriers, solo travel for women, a terror attack in another country, and most commonly -- flying.

A statistical study on Fly Fright states that one in three adult Americans is either anxious to fly or completely afraid to fly. The specific fears range from mechanical problems and bad weather all the way to flying over a body of water, with women twice as likely to fear flying as men.

So, what does this all mean? While fear is a valid emotion, don’t let it keep you from exploring the world or even simply exploring your own country, if nothing else.

Need a little reassurance that your travels will run smoothly and without any necessity for fear? Below are some of the biggest reasons why you should be packing your bags in anticipation instead of fearing travel altogether:

There is a risk no matter where you are and what you are doing

You have a one in 98 chance of dying in a car accident as compared to a one in 7,178 chance of dying in a plane, based on a USA Today article.

With this being said, this cliché is always stated when trying to convince fearful travelers that they will be okay and that they have a more likely chance of being hurt doing day-to-day things. You can walk out into an intersection and get hit by a car or suffer a heart attack on any given day.

The moral: any second can be your last, so why not be doing something amazing during the time in which you have on this planet? Traveling opens the mind to new experiences and the heart to new locations, people, and lifestyles. Those amazing travel experiences awaiting you can literally take your mind off of your fears!

​Traveling is good for your health

Contrary to your fears that traveling may be bad for your health and may end in injury or death, leisure traveling is proven to be great for your health.

Let's face it, stress can be the cause of many physical and mental ailments, so if you can let go of the stresses of traveling, then traveling can be beneficial. Your mind can unwind for the preservation of mental health and stability, you will be doing A LOT of walking which is great for your physical health, and accomplishing the goal of traveling to a new location is a great mood booster -- and all around endorphin releaser.

Technology is on your side in the 21st Century for travel

This is more or less an ode to modern technology and how it can help you when you travel. Fears such as becoming lost or not knowing the language have now been mitigated just by technology and apps.

Google Maps and Waze are two GPS platforms that allow you to use your phone in another country and make your way around. You will have to either buy an international phone plan or buy an unlocked phone, but once you have done that, you will no longer fear not knowing where you are.

For language barriers, Google Translate is the all-around best app just based on simplicity, features, and the fact that it is free.

Eliminating these two fears can bring much relief to the fears of traveling as you no longer need to fear feeling alone and lost in another country.

We live in a world with travel insurance, for both your money and health

Travel insurance has only become more buffed up with its features as the years have progressed. The typical types of coverage can eliminate many fears you still may have about traveling. One is canceled trips, so you don't have to worry about losing money if something major happens and you cannot travel.

24/7 phone assistance while abroad is also available for situations like lost luggage or emergency evacuations.

The biggest portion of travel insurance that individuals buy it for is medical emergencies abroad. Most travel insurance can help cover medical and dental abroad, so the fear of sickness should not deter you from booking that trip.

A note, you should also call your existing insurance company to see if they offer international travel insurance as well and compare it to other products. Or talk to a travel agent who can provide you with a quote or two from some of the more reputable travel insurance companies.

A good travel agent can make a big difference in calming your fears​In fact, speaking with a knowledgeable travel agent about your concerns and worries may be just the assurance you need as you begin venturing out to make your own memorable moments while traveling.

Linda with Wonderful Trips welcomes those who may be a little anxious to travel internationally and would like to go with a group. In fact, she plans to host a couple of these groups every year. She anticipates an April 2018 trip compiled of some fearful -- and some not-so-fearful -- travelers who she will open up to new experiences and less anxiety through her own travel assistance. For more information on her assisted trips, contact linda@wonderfultrips.com.

With a good travel agent -- your soon-to-be friend -- you won’t be left to fend for yourself, your health, or any other fear you have while traveling overseas.​After engaging your personal travel agent, all you need do is believe the facts, make use of any travel aids you’d like, and go make those memories for yourself. Here’s to fearless travels!

[Owner's intro: I (Linda) enjoyed my first river cruise in Russia, between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The experience changed my life - literally. I am now encouraging YOU to enjoy that same experience...read about it from this guest author below...]

​I was in your shoes a year ago! I thought I could find the best deals and best travel itineraries on my own. I thought a travel agent was only going to cost me more money, inconvenience someone else, and fail to provide the customized activities and places I wanted to visit and enjoy. I was wrong!

Since becoming a travel agent myself, I have discovered there are different roads – and different costs – to guide you to the same destination. One way to get there is “dirt cheap” as travel goes. But it may also cost you inconvenience, terrible travel hours, lack of service when changes are needed, and no one to call in a crisis. ​

​Another way may offer luxuries above and beyond what you even care to enjoy; this lavish method of travel may please some, but you see it as wasted money for something that means nothing, and you’d rather spend your money elsewhere.

​I encourage you to consider six reasons for taking an alternate, smoother road for your future travel. Let me assure you, a travel agent – or consultant – can make the difference between a trip and a wonderful trip for you!​

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